Golden Nugget Online Gaming founder steps down after a decade
Thomas Winter heads for sabbatical two years after DraftKings confirmed intention to acquire online casino brand in $1.5bn deal
Golden Nugget Online Gaming (GNOG) founder and DraftKings igaming chief Thomas Winter has departed the US operator giant.
Winter announced he was taking a sabbatical from the industry on LinkedIn yesterday, October 1, 10 years after founding GNOG and more than two years after DraftKings confirmed its planned acquisition of the online casino brand.
DraftKings confirmed its intentions to acquire GNOG in August 2021 in a $1.56bn deal, with the transaction finally completing in May 2022 after a series of delays.
Upon the completion of the acquisition, Winter transitioned to a new role as general manager of North America igaming for DraftKings.
During Winters’ time with the company, he played a key role in strengthening DraftKings’ position as the leading igaming operator in the US, with a 27% market share.
Winter departs the business as the migration of GNOG onto DraftKings’ technology stack continues, with the process set to be completed in the coming months.
GNOG is currently live in four US states: Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Winter confirmed he would be replaced as general manager of North America igaming by SVP of product management Gregory Karamitis.
Taking to LinkedIn, Winter took the opportunity to thank key figures during his time with both firms.
Winter said: “So many good memories come to mind, from taking GNOG from dead last to the number one online casino in New Jersey, to opening the first live dealer studio in the US, [and] spinning off GNOG then taking it public.
“[Then] merging with DraftKings and having the privilege of leading the two brands to become, together, the US number one online casino operator.
“But as I reflect on these 10 exciting and intense years, what first comes to mind is the lineup of talented, kind and passionate people I’ve had the chance to work with,” he added.
Winter went on to name DraftKings founders Jason Robins, Matt Kalish and Paul Liberman, as well as singling out former GNOG owner Tilman Fertitta as the “shrewdest and most impressive businessman” he had ever met.
The igaming veteran also heaped praised on Superbet founder Sacha Dragic and Betclic CEO Nicolas Beraud for their support over the years.